Heads of state from eight South Asian nations were united
yesterday in calling for a move from words to action to lift
millions out of poverty.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh praised the "economic
vibrancy and social change" in SAARC nations which are growing at a
strong 5 percent a year.
"The question before us is whether to seize this unique
opportunity that beckons," he said. "The time has come to move
SAARC from a declaratory phase to action and implementation."
Originally formed in 1985, the group has kept its original
composition of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal
and Sri Lanka with Afghanistan becoming the eighth official member
yesterday.
Its goal is to create close economic integration, free trade and
cultural links between member states.
One of its biggest plans is for a complete free trade system
running across all its member states. Unfortunately, tensions
between India and Pakistan have prevented this from becoming a
reality.
Singh said India, as the group's largest country, would bear
"asymmetrical responsibilities" by allowing zero-duty market access
to the poorest SAARC countries by the end of the year, whilst also
removing trade barriers.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz admitted South Asia was
mired in conflict management which perversely drained its resources
and stopped SAARC from forging ahead with its aims.
?
"We need to ask ourselves as to how relevant is SAARC to our
people? How has it impacted their lives?" Aziz said. "These are
some challenging questions that we ... must answer."
Aziz called for all disputes between members to be solved
through dialogue and compromise, a factor which would build trust,
economic inter-dependency and allow free trade.
The issue of terrorism was also a major talking point.
"It is our common duty to fight extremism and terrorism in all
forms and sources, including political sponsorship and financing,"
said Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse warned that terrorist
groups would continue to blossom in South Asian nations if
collective international efforts were not rapidly made.
"Our region as a whole is not safe from barbaric terrorist
groups," he said, in a thinly-veiled attack on the Tamil Tiger
attack on an air base on the outskirts of the Sri Lankan
capital.
Apart from China, representatives from Japan, South Korea, the
United States and the European Union were present as observers.
(China Daily April 4, 2007)
